HOUSTON (KIAH) — Patience is running thin for Houston-area residents still without power four days after Hurricane Beryl roared through. But at the same time reports of threats to Linemen trying to restore power are increasing.

There are also reports of linemen being frustrated too, claiming they are not being paid.

CW39’s Sharron Melton talks with CenterPoint Energy’s communications director Alyssia Oshodi to talk about this and talk about rumors of linemen remaining idle or not being paid or reimbursed for their expense during the storm recovery efforts.

In the interview, Oshodi addresses the threats aimed at linemen and personnel. “We have been receiving quite a few reports of threats and just concerning activity concerning the workers that are out there,” she said. “And so we obviously, as I’ve mentioned, care and care about the safety of the folks that are out here trying to restore power and just ask that folks remember that and that these folks are part of our community.”

One incident happened in Fort Bend County, when Sheriff Eric Fagan said that a Needville man threatened a CenterPoint worker with a gun.

“Without being able to give specifics on the various incidents, we have a security team that wants to make sure that we keep our people safe, ” according to Oshodi.

When it comes to linemen remaining idle or not getting paid or reimbursed for expenses, Oshodi called the allegations “completely false.”

“We take care of the workers that are here helping to support our efforts and any rumor to suggest otherwise is completely false,” she said. “And, while we’re on the subject of our line workers, I also want to take time to just encourage and really push our customers and the community to be mindful of our crews.”

Meanwhile, as of Friday morning, Oshodi said CenterPoint has around 80% of estimated restoration times on our restoration map online. “We’re continuing to update that map as more information is available.” They plan to have more power restored by this weekend.

Additionally, the company will provide estimated restoration dates for 70% of customers who are currently out.

Watch the extended interview above to hear the response to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s threat to investigate CenterPoint Energy and hear more about recovery efforts.

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